First Gun, What Do You Think?

[def]

Hello,

I've been looking at various handguns (and shotguns, even) and I've narrowed it down to an SP101. My reasons for doing so is what I hear about their reliability, accuracy, and weight (which I hear is nice if you're concerned about recoil). I also like revolvers because they seem safer to me (I like the idea of being able to actually see bullets in the wheel) and they seem easier to clean than pistols (if I owned a gun, I'd like to keep it nice). Also, I'm interested in the SP101 (particularly the 2 and 3 inch models) because, in the event that I may want to get a concealed carry license in the future, the SP101 would be better than, say, the GP100 or any other medium frame revolver.

Here's my question: Being a beginner who has never shot a real firearm, which caliber and size would you suggest? I was thinking the .357, because it can load the .38 spl and I think I would be able to learn on that okay. I want to learn how to shoot well at a range- do you think the .38spl loaded in the .357 sp101 would be a reasonable caliber in a reasonable gun to learn on? In reality, when I buy my gun, it will probably be the only gun I buy for a LONG time (I mean several, several years), so I want something I can learn on AND enjoy throughout many years to come.

My purposes for buying a gun would be mostly for home defense (which is why I had looked at shotguns before), but, as previously mentioned, I am interested in perhaps getting a concealed carry license once I feel quite comfortable with my gun.

In conclusion: Which caliber in the SP101 would you suggest? Which barrel length would you suggest? [I'm thinking the 3" because I'd prefer less muzzel flash and recoil (correct me if barrel length doesn't reduce recoil, but some reason I'm thinking it does) and if I were to carry concealed, I wouldn't pocket carry- I'd probably have a shoulder holster (I think it'd be less noticeable on me there and I'd feel safer with the gun by my torso, rather than my hip or, especially, pocket)].

I know that was quite long, but thanks for reading!

 

[def]

Or do you think I would be better off getting a GP100?

 

[Bearhands]

Personally.... I think the sp101 is an excellent choice..... mine would be a 3" 357 for the reasons you list: 38's, heavier for less recoil, longer site radius (3"). That being said, if you are brand new to "shooting real firearms"... quite possibly the way to go for you is to aquire a 22lr revolver and hone your shooting skills prior to the step up into 357mag/38's. It is very easy for a beginner to develop bad and hard-to-correct habits (flinching etc) when they start out with something a bit more than a beginner type gun. Just my $.02
btw, here is a nice article about the 3" Sp101 ---> http://www.snubnose.info/docs/sp101.htm

 

[shooter429]

You have good instincts for a beginner

I can recommend the Sp101s with total confidence in their ruggedness and reliability. Your choice of caliber is also spot-on. Get a .357 Magnum because you can grow into the gun, instead of out of it, like with lighter calibers.

I don't know if you know this, but the .357 magnum is arguably the best manstopper there is (from a handgune). Furthermore, the .357 can take light .38 Special wadcutters for practice, making it suitable for the new shooter.

I would like to add one thing. Since the 3" barrel is the length you want (it is a good choice too) you might lok at the Smith and Wesson j-frames Model 60 with adjustable sights instead of the Ruger. Here's why: Since the gun will be using linght .38s and magnums, your point of impact (where the bullet hits) will be different with each different load and range. Since you will have a wide range of loads available, an adjustable rear sight will allow you to dial in the gun for a specific load. The other thing is that the Smith will have a lighter, smoother trigger, and smaller grip, making your job a bit easier. But both guns are good, they just have different characteristics.

Lastly, have you looked into reloading? Especially with Wheelies, reloading makes a lot of sense. You will always be able to save all your brass and use it to reduce the cost of your new sport.

Happy hunting to you. Show her off once you pick one up and feel free to send specific questions to me.

Welcome aboard!

Shooter429

 

[def]

Hi folks, thanks for the comments. I had previously thought about getting a .22, but as Shooter had mentioned, I don't want to "grow out" of a gun, considering I will only be buying one and hoping it'll last me for a very long time. If I got a .22, I'd probably want to buy a new one in a matter of a couple years, if not sooner. Also, I have looked at the SW J frames, but (correct me if I'm remember this incorrectly) I like the Ruger's heavier weight and price tag. Oh, thanks for the link Bearhands.

Thanks again for your help, gentlemen.

 

[Bearhands]

Just a note: you'll NEVER grow out of a 22... be it a revolver or rifle... and the cost of ammo to get "good" with one will help in the long run. (Pratice, practice, practice) But again, the sp101 is an excellent choice for the purposes you desire. Best of luck!
p.s GET BOTH!

 

[moe.ron]

Got my SP101 yesterday. I put a Hogue grip on it and it is a pleasure to shoot with either .38 or .357 This is my first revolver.

 

[03Shadowbob]

def,
I do think you will really enjoy the SP101 or a GP100 and will have it for several lifetimes if you so choose and it's a great self defense firearm but I just wanted to say that you'll never grow out of a .22. I've had mine for decades and I have yet to grow out of mine. In fact, out of all my firearms, my .22s are my favorite shooting caliber.

 

[BlkHawk73]

first handgun? I gotta say to start with the .22lr chambering. Learn and get a solid foundation with the basics of safety and handlng and then progress. It's hard to unlearn bad shooting habits later on so learn the correctly on an easy to shoot and inexpensive platform/chambering.
many shy away from this as it's not "cool" but it's less "cool" to be a poor shot.

I'd sugegst a Ruger Single Six for any new shooter.

 

[bikerdoc]

welcome! I agree with the above get the ruger sp 101 -get good instruction-then practice. as for the only hand gun for a long time - I doubt it - once hooked you will want a 22 and god only knows what else

 

[bannockburn]

def

I think that the SP101 would make for a great first gun/only gun for somebody just starting out. And definitely go with the 3" barrel. One other thing though; a semi auto pistol is easier (and quicker), to clean than a revolver.

 

[MrBorland]

Others have already mentioned you'll never outgrow a .22LR and I agree, but if you're sure you're not going to buy another gun for a few years, I'd say go ahead and get the .357. Ironically, you may find yourself growing into a .22LR if you find you really enjoy shooting but centerfire fatique and/or the price of ammo is killing you. Plus, with a .22LR revolver, as long as there's no reason why you couldn't, you'd also be able to practice daily at home with Aquila primer-only powderless .22s.

The SP101 as well as S&W J- and K-frames are available in a .22LR version (thought the SP101 .22LR is no longer made, but can be found used). The beauty here is that you could buy the .22 version of what you already have, put the same grips on it, and you have the perfect "understudy".

BTW, have you actually shot an SP101 yet? All your research is fine, and the SP101 is a fine revolver, but the bottom line is if it feels good in your hand. It'd be best if you could try a few different revolvers, such as the SP101 and maybe a S&W J- and K-frame. For example, I considered buying one, but once I actually tried it, I found it felt very unnatural in my hand, and the radius on the trigger felt shallow, such that it seems to cut into my finger. Again, that's just me, but the point is that you never really know if you'd like a gun until you actually shoot it.

 

[shooter429]

def, you are correct weight and price are better on the Ruger

The .22lr is great, but not as an only defensive arm. Once one has a proper centerfire, one will likely want a .22 for many reasons including cost (or lack thereof). They are not a good "only" choice because they lack power and reliability (in a lot of autos) whereas a Ruger Or S&W .357 will be very powerful and reliable.

Shooter429

 

[BigO01]

I'm in total agreement with shooter429's opinions here especialy the usefullness of adjustable sights on a possible "Only" gun .

While the SP 101 is a great gun I would go with a 3 inch barreled 686+ with a 7 shot cylinder .

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93980766

It may be a bit more than the Ruger but it will prove to be well worth it .

 

[pdowg881]

I started with a 22lr target gun. An SW22A. In retrospect it was a great choice because the gun was only $180 and I can practice all day for cheap. It's also good to go back to when your shooting gets sloppy.

I don't know what your budget is, but maybe a cheap .22 for tons of practice AND the SP101. I think it would be worth it to get the .22 and if you want the other gun, the cheap price of the .22 shouldn't be too much more. I just think the .22 will save you from devoloping a flinch or bad habits that can be masked with higher recoiling pistols. With a .22 you can get the fundamentals down. Whatever your decision, good luck.

Oh and if you have any shooting buddies I'm sure they would let you shoot their .22's all day. I'm always happy to let people try mine. Getting some shooting buddies is a great way to gain experience with a variety of different firearms.

 

[Katana8869]

When I got my CWP back in 1992 it quickly became apparent that my 6" S&W model 19 was not going to carry concealed very well. I bought a 2 1/4" SP-101 and it filled the role perfectly. Back then, I was 22 years old and had no clue about things like load selection other than what the gun shop guys recommended so I used to walk around with 180gr Black Talons in the little pistol.

Despite my ignorance, I learned to shoot the gun well and it took everything that I threw at it and never missed a beat. In addition to digesting thousands of rounds of every make and description, bouncing around in gloveboxes and under truck seats, being soaked with sweat summer after summer, covered with sand and dunked in the river a time or two, it still locks up tight and shoots as well as it did out of the box.

After my Dad passed away, I gave it to my Mom to use as a bedside gun because she has trouble racking the slide on a semi-auto. I soon realized that I truly missed the little beast so I bought another one.

As much as I love my 2 1/4" SP-101, I would recommend the 3" version if you intend this to be your only gun. The 3" has a longer sight radius and it will be easier to learn to shoot with. Also, the longer barrel optimizes the performance of the .357 a little better.

Personally, I don't like shoulder holsters. I would suggest getting an inexpensive Uncle Mike's IWB holster (about $10-$15) and trying that method out first. You will find that you need to wear pants that are a little looser in the waist, but it is hard to beat a IWB for a grab it and go, every day carry method. My attire here in FL usually consist of shorts and a tank top and IWB has gotten the job done for me for about 16 years now.

If you must have a shoulder holster, do yourself the favor and buy a good one right off of the bat. Cheap, poorly made shoulder holsters and ankle holsters are the spawn of the devil himself. At least you will think so after trying to carry a gun around in one all day.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I strongly recommend the SP 101. However, the right gun for you is the gun best suited for your intended purpose. The SP 101 is a good concealed carry gun, albeit a little heavy for pocket carry.

If I were carrying a gun while on horseback, though, a heavier gun would be a bit better (like the GP 100 you suggested.) Similarly if I only wanted to punch paper (and adjustable sights would be a plus in that case.) Or if I planned to hunt with it.

For general all-around plinking, small game, and just cheap good fun, a .22 cannot be beat.

 

[Cosmoline]

Being a beginner who has never shot a real firearm, which caliber and size would you suggest?

I'd actually suggest a GP100 with a 4" barrel at least over a snub SP. The GP is going to be a lot easier for a beginner to use. Recoil is one factor, esp. with .357. But in general snub revolvers are quite difficult to master.

But everyone is different. You can certainly get an SP, just be prepared to shoot about a thousand rounds of .357 out of it to get the hang of things.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I bought the SP 101 with the 3 1/16" barrel for my daughter. It's a bit easier to shoot accurately for a novice, and the extra inch of barrel doesn't make it any harder to conceal.

 

[papajohn]

+1 on the 3" barrel. Easier to hit with than a shorter tube, more sight radius, blah blah blah. It's also better looking. If it's gonna be your only bullet launcher for a few years, get something that serves your needs, and looks good. You'll be admiring it a lot.

I have a 3" S & W M-65 that I got used as a PD trade-in. Lots of holster wear, lots of dings and scratches. I did my best EVER trigger job on it, and I've done a few dozen. Slick, fun to shoot, easy to carry. And MAN it looks cool, scuffs and warts and all.

As for ammo, shooting 357's out of a small revolver is NOT done for pure entertainment value, though your friends might find it amusing to watch. In the M-60 3" I had, it was downright ouchful. I usually carry Speer's GDSB load, made for snubbies. It's what I carry on duty, and I shoot it well. Carrying 357's in a snubby won't put extra hair on your chest, your ability and training will decide what's better for you. Bear in mind, I WAS a trainer, and I worry more about bullet placement and fast follow up shots than I do impressing a bad guy with my manliness, or setting him on fire with a HOT load. The best way to impress a bad guy is with marksmanship.

Whatever you do, get some good instruction, and PRACTICE with it. Start low and work up slowly, and don't try to train when you're tired, it doesn't help you learn anything except how to waste expensive ammo. You'll know when you've reached your threshhold for recoil tolerance. Once you find it, back down a notch and find the best defensive load at that power level. Dry-firing and mixing live rounds with fired rounds (The old ball and dummy trick) will tell you pretty quick if you're fliniching. And if you have questions, ASK. Assume nothing, when it comes to stuff that can kill ya!

Oh, and have fun with it, too. Carefully. After all, it IS fun!

Papajohn

 

[def]

Wow, thanks guys. I really appreciate all this feedback. I've much more to consider now. I'll certainly look into the .22lrs. My main objective is to get good at using my gun (for the most obvious reason that being good with it, I would think, would make my being around my gun much safer), so I am thankful for everyone's input. Cheers!

 

[Patrick_Henry]

Well I got the three inch one for my first and currently only pistol if that is worth anything...

 

[def]

Please let me know your opinion on this:

Do you think it'd be most advantageous to get, say, a Ruger MK III to better acquaint me with firing a gun, then get a SP101 in a year or two? I would rather buy just one gun, but safety is more important than money and if the benefits outweigh the costs (the literal costs), then that is an avenue I'd be more than willing to consider, especially considering the love I'm seeing for the .22s. Also, would a MK III be an adequate home defense/carry gun? I mean, I know its a gun and a gun is better for defense than, say, nothing, but I'd like your opinions, if you would. Thanks guys (and gals)!

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Do you think it'd be most advantageous to get, say, a Ruger MK III to better acquaint me with firing a gun, then get a SP101 in a year or two?

That would be my choice. Twenty-two ammo is so cheap you can fire thousands of rounds for peanuts. And to learn to shoot, you have to shoot a lot.

Also, would a MK III be an adequate home defense/carry gun?

I would not recommend a .22 as a self-defense gun. Twenty-twos are inherently less reliable than centerfires, and really don't have the punch I would consider essential.

 

[def]

Oh, one more thing: How much should I expect to pay for an SP101? MK III? Being a beginner, I'd like to have an idea of how much I should pay, so that I don't end up paying too much due to my ignorance. As always, my thanks.